We are on holiday!

Monday 22nd August 2022

I woke up early to the dawn chorus, and the sound of the travellers that leave before six!! 😳 I took advantage of the early wake up call and snuck out to do the track to the dunes again – we rushed to get there in light last night so I wanted a proper look! I made it to the top in time to watch the sunrise, then back by seven for breakfast and pack up. The kids really wanted to stay here – probably mostly inspired by our young neighbours, but we had decided to push on south. They all had a last play together in the tree our tent was under, with the tent out of the way! We took advantage of the station cafe for a coffee and treat, since they catered for gluten free, then headed off.

We had just over three hours drive ahead of us. We had a couple of random roadside stops, then stopped in at the Blowholes to have a look – amazing! Waves come surging through holes in a rock platform with frightening force, shooting water high in the air! Bonnie pointed out it is much like the fountain in Lake Burley Griffin, only much more impressive! A large sign greets you as you arrive: “king waves kill”, and you can see why. The force of the ocean is impressive!

After watching the Blowholes for a while we drove on to check out the camping options. At this stage we weren’t sure if we camp at Point Quobba, or drive 10km further to Quobba Station,which is meant to have amazing, but possibly quite dangerous, rock fishing!

The Blowholes campground is quite extensive – it goes on and on along a road parallel with the beach. The first section has ocean views and is very crowded, with caravans packed in. Also a little village of run down tin shacks in various states. Then it becomes more sparse, with campsites behind the dunes separated by pockets of vegetation. Given the high swell forecast for the following two days, and how ferocious the ocean was looking at the Blowholes, we decided to find a site there, so Richie could try some beach fishing. We are also north of Miaboolya Beach, which is where dad caught a big Mulloway in 1982….worth a try! 😁

We picked a site near some sand dunes, a little further from the beach to hopefully get some protection from the strong winds. Also we figured with a pretty wild looking ocean, playing in the dunes will probably be more appealing than the beach. The kids and I checked the dunes out while Richie got the tent up. I came back to help set things up, and got to see Richie meet a neighbouring camper – the sort of guy who knows everything, and berated Richie for not knowing anything, but answered any question Richie had with ‘how the hell would I know!’ 😆 A pretty painful conversation that I was happy to walk away from but remain in earshot!

We took a walk along to beach to check the place out, and particularly the lagoon at the northern end. Our intended reason for staying here is both beach fishing, and an apparently excellent snorkeling location in a sheltered part of the beach. Whilst the lagoon was calmer than the beach, it was not looking good for snorkeling. Fingers crossed the weather has a calm moment for me and Bonnie to get into the water!

We walked back along the track – I had enough sand walking carrying Otis along the beach! We met a lovely couple travelling in their caravan with a pet galah, pop-eye! They very patiently answered every single question the kids had about having a galah – I can see what will be on the next wish list! Fun to see such an unusual travel companion as well – I am amazed at the number of dogs we have seen everywhere, but that was the first bird we have noticed! They even let him out for a walk in the sand dunes every evening!

We got back to camp just as the sun started to set, and cooked the Bullara steak for dinner. It was ok, but sadly did not come close to the steak from Willare Roadhouse (which came from Kilto Station). Richie grabbed his rod and disappeared into the night to try some beach fishing. The kids were ready to go straight to bed, even though Otis slept the drive, which has become a regular event. I got to wash up, and have a quiet wine in the cool, calm evening – hopefully the wind will stay down for the morning as well! 🤞

Richie returned around 11, with a Mulloway, hooray! Not quite the whopper dad caught 40 years ago, but at 52cm he could keep it! He also caught a blue bone salmon, apparently good eating, and had stories about hooking, then losing, a large shark!